https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/natalia-contreras-votebeat-and-the-texas-tribune/The latest news by Natalia Contreras.enFri, 25 Apr 2025 12:25:27 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/25/texas-voter-proof-citizenship-legislation/Democrats and other critics say Texas legislation threatens to keep citizens who can’t easily access the right documents from voting.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 25 Apr 2025 12:25:27 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/25/texas-voter-proof-citizenship-legislation/The Texas House Elections Committee listens to public testimony on House Bill 5337 at the Capitol in Austin on April 24. The bill seeks to require people to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote.The Texas House Elections Committee listens to public testimony on House Bill 5337 at the Capitol in Austin on April 24, 2025. The bill seeks to require people to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote.Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribune and Votebeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/25/texas-voter-registration-legislature-unsolicited/Voting rights advocates worry that legislation approved by House and Senate committees could make it harder to get more people on the rolls.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 25 Apr 2025 08:47:44 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/25/texas-voter-registration-legislature-unsolicited/Alex Flucke, regional program manager of Texas Rising in Corpus Christi, right, helps Jessica López, 42, center, register to vote during a Pride celebration in Corpus Christi on Oct. 5, 2024.Alex Flucke, regional program manager of Texas Rising in Corpus Christi, right, helps Jessica López, 42, center, register to vote during a Pride celebration in Corpus Christi on Oct. 5, 2024.Gabriel Cárdenas for VoteBeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/18/texas-voter-registration-software-team/Some lawmakers say a bill requiring counties to switch to TEAM would make it easier to monitor voter rolls. But the system has had its problems.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 18 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/18/texas-voter-registration-software-team/University of Texas student Alex Pham, center, registers to vote ahead of the midterm elections in Austin on Oct. 11, 2022. Celia Israel, Travis County’s tax assessor-collector and voter registrar, said her office began using TEAM, the state's voter registration system, in March in anticipation of the Legislature making it a requirement.UT student Alex Pham (center) registers to vote ahead of the midterm elections in Austin on Oct. 11, 2022.May-Ying Lam for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/09/texas-election-hand-count-legislation/The proposal would require counties who opt for hand counts to use ballots that can be scanned and tabulated by a voting machine.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneWed, 09 Apr 2025 17:06:23 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/09/texas-election-hand-count-legislation/Election workers count ballots by hand inside of The Edge in Fredericksburg on Mar. 5, 2024. Early voting ballots for the Republican primaries were hand counted on Election Day at this location.Election workers count ballots by hand inside of The Edge in Fredericksburg on Mar. 5, 2024. Early voting ballots for the Republican primaries were hand counted on Election Day at this location.Maria Crane/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/01/texas-proof-of-citizenship-voting-senate-bill-16/Senate Bill 16 would create new barriers for voters and new burdens for election officials.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneTue, 01 Apr 2025 17:50:25 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/01/texas-proof-of-citizenship-voting-senate-bill-16/Voters visit the White Oak Community Center during the first day of early voting on Oct. 21, 2024.Voters visit the White Oak Community Center during the first day of early voting on Monday October 21, 2024, in White Oak.Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/voting-rights-group-withdraws-challenge-texas-redistricting/The remaining plaintiffs in the case are organizations representing Latino and Black voters, with a trial set to begin May 21.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneThu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/voting-rights-group-withdraws-challenge-texas-redistricting/Salman Bhojani, a former candidate for Texas Senate District 9, shows where he lives on an updated map that drew him out of District 9 and into District 2, at his offices in Irving, on Oct. 17, 2021. The maps have been tied up in legal battles since they were approved by the Texas Legislature.Salman Bhojani, a former candidate for Texas Senate District 9, shows where he lives on an updated map that now draws him out of District 9 and now into District 2, at his offices in Irving, on Oct. 17, 2021. Bhojani suspended his campaign after state legislature adopted new district maps which draw Bhojani's home out of District 9.Ben Torres for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/21/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-prosecute-election-crimes/Critics fear increased election prosecutions could intimidate voters and local election officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton has long sought more autonomy over election cases.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/21/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-prosecute-election-crimes/Ken Paxton, attorney general of Texas, speaks to the media Jan. 15, 2025, during a press conference following arguments in the case “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas,” at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas, speaks to the media Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, during a press conference following arguments in the case “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas,” at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.Luke Johnson for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/13/texas-redistricting-lawsuit-justice-department-withdraws/The Biden administration had challenged a Republican-led redistricting plan that diluted the political power of minorities. Other legal challenges will continue.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneThu, 13 Mar 2025 16:18:16 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/13/texas-redistricting-lawsuit-justice-department-withdraws/Census data from 2020 and redistricting maps in 2021.Census data from 2020 and redistricting maps at The Texas Tribune office in Austin on Oct. 7, 2021. The state population grew by nearly 4 million and was driven mainly by people of color.Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/12/texas-proof-of-citizenship-vote-senate-bill-16/All 20 GOP senators signed on to Senate Bill 16, which would apply to currently registered voters, and restrict some to only congressional elections.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneWed, 12 Mar 2025 13:12:04 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/12/texas-proof-of-citizenship-vote-senate-bill-16/Jessika Morales, 33, helps Francisco Jubera, 63, register to vote at the Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi on Sept. 11, 2024.Jessika Morales, 33, assists Francisco Jubera, 63, who just moved into the county, to register to vote at the Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi, Texas on Sept. 11, 2024.Gabriel V. Cárdenas for Votebeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/11/texas-citizens-elections-academy-guadalupe-county/The academy offers an inside look at how votes are counted and secured. It’s building confidence — and inspiring similar programs across Texas.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneTue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/11/texas-citizens-elections-academy-guadalupe-county/Guadalupe County residents cast ballots on voting equipment as part of the county’s Citizens Elections Academy.Guadalupe County residents cast their votes on voting equipment as part of a logic and accuracy testing at the Guadalupe County Elections office on March 4, 2025. The exercise was part of the county’s Citizens Elections Academy.Natalia Contreras/Votebeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/06/texas-countywide-voting-polling-locations-legislature/Senate Bill 985 would revise a 2023 law that raised the minimum number of voting locations. County election officials say they’ve struggled to comply with it.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneThu, 06 Mar 2025 17:23:30 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/06/texas-countywide-voting-polling-locations-legislature/Early morning voters wait outside in the rain at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center in Houston on Nov. 5, 2024.Early morning voters wait outside in the rain at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center in Houston on Nov. 5, 2024.Mark Felix for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/26/texas-bexar-county-election-administrator-hunt-county/Michele Carew was unanimously appointed as election administrator for the county that’s home to San Antonio, four years after leaving her post in Hood County.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneWed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/26/texas-bexar-county-election-administrator-hunt-county/Michele Carew, former election administrator of Hood County, has been tapped to lead elections in Bexar County, home to San Antonio.Michele Carew, election administrator of Hood County, faced calls for her termination by local officials and community members.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune/ProPublicahttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/03/texas-voting-countywide-election-day/Election administrators say letting people cast a ballot at any polling site is more convenient for voters and cheaper for local governments.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneMon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/03/texas-voting-countywide-election-day/State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, in the Texas Senate chamber on September 6, 2023.State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, in the Texas Senate chamber on September 6, 2023.Bob Daemmrich/Pool for the Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/28/texas-electronic-systems-software-pollbooks-dallas-county-ballot/Texas decertified a widely used electronic pollbook after problems in November. Will a fix arrive in time for the next election?By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneTue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/28/texas-electronic-systems-software-pollbooks-dallas-county-ballot/People line up to vote at the Oak Lawn Branch Library in Dallas on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024.People line up to vote at the Oak Lawn Branch Library in Dallas on Election Day, November 5, 2024.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/10/corpus-christi-city-council-election-tie/Five people threw their hats in the ring for a single council seat in the South Texas city. That level of interest kicked off an unorthodox — but not unprecedented — series of events.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 10 Jan 2025 12:02:41 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/10/corpus-christi-city-council-election-tie/Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, center, oversaw a game of chance to determine whether Everett Roy, at left, or Billy Lerma, at right, would hold the City Council District 1 seat.Corpus Christi City Council District 1 candidate Billy Lerma (right) tosses his numbered pebble into a bowl as Mayor Paulette Guajardo congratulates incumbent City Councilman Everett Roy for winning the casting of lots for the council seat at City Hall on Jan. 7, 2025.Courtesy of John Oliva/Corpus Christi Caller-Timeshttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/09/texas-legislature-voting-access-bills-online-registration-disabilities/Proposals to allow online registration and broaden photo ID options may have a chance to advance, supporters say.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneThu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/09/texas-legislature-voting-access-bills-online-registration-disabilities/Democratic state lawmakers hope to win Republican support in expanding access to voting this year.People wait in line to vote at Brazos County Election Administrator Office on Election Day in Bryan, Texas on November 5, 2024.Gabriel Cárdenas for Votebeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/19/texas-citizenship-voting-legislation/A Votebeat analysis shows how such requirements risk disenfranchising key voter groups, including Native Americans and college students.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneThu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/19/texas-citizenship-voting-legislation/Texas Republican lawmakers will debate whether to require proof of citizenship to vote during the upcoming legislative session. Several bills have already been filed ahead of the first day.DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 20, 2024: ExpressVote voting machines at a public verification test of the voting system at the Dallas County Elections Department building in Dallas, Texas on Friday, September 20, 2024. The test allows participants to validate the voting process by using ballots containing the same races and proportions as the upcoming elections in November. CREDIT: Desiree Rios for The Texas TribuneDesiree Rios for The Texas Tribune https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/09/texas-bill-election-transparency-republican/Under state Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s bill, some individuals could submit requests for explanations of ‘election irregularities’ and potentially bring them to the Texas Secretary of State.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneMon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/09/texas-bill-election-transparency-republican/State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, on the Senate floor on Sept. 14, 2023. Bettencourt's new bill would put new requirments on election officials to respond to complaints.State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, on the Senate floor on Sept. 14, 2023.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/25/texas-ballot-secrecy-legislature-courts/One bill has been filed so far, while a pair of lawsuits focus attention on the issue.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas Tribune, and Blaise Gainey, Texas NewsroomMon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/25/texas-ballot-secrecy-legislature-courts/Election poll workers return voting equipment to central county station workers at the Brazos Center in Bryan on Nov 5.Poll workers return voting equipment to central county station workers at the Brazos Center in Bryan on November 5, 2024.Montinique Monroe for Votebeathttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/15/brazos-county-texas-2024-election-security/Voting went well in the presidential election, but Trudy Hancock and her staff are still fielding questions. And the answers don’t seem to matter.By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas TribuneFri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/15/brazos-county-texas-2024-election-security/Central county station workers aggregate election results at the Brazos Center in Bryan on Nov. 5, 2024.BRYAN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 5: Central county station workers aggregate election results at the Brazos Center in Bryan, Texas on November 5, 2024. Photo by Montinique Monroe for VotebeatMontinique Monroe for Votebeat